Some dogs come into your life after years of planning. Some arrive thanks to a little Facebook serendipity. And some—like Gus and Sadie—make their grand entrance thanks to one very determined daughter.
For years, one of Jodie’s daughters lobbied hard for a dog. We’re talking serious commitment: photos sent, strategic persuasion, and maybe a few well-timed puppy dog eyes of her own. Finally, Jodie (you know, the one holding the veto power) agreed: they could go look. And as every dog lover knows, “looking” usually ends with a four-legged family member. Enter Gus.
How Gus & Sadie Found Their Forever Home
At just eight weeks old, Gus, a fluffy Bernedoodle, officially joined the family on April 8, 2020, right in the middle of the COVID pandemic. As Jodie puts it, “My sister wanted me to name my son Giuseppe and call him Gus. I wasn’t really into that for my son, but as soon as we brought Gus home, it was a fitting name for our first dog.”
Fast forward a few years, and along came Sadie, a high-energy Goldendoodle who found her way into the family after being posted on Facebook by her previous owners, who could no longer care for her. Jodie went to meet her, brought her home for a trial run with Gus, and the two hit it off instantly.
Capturing that Unscripted Doodle Charm
If you ever want a lesson in joyful chaos, you’ll find it in these two. Gus is your classic “excitable for five minutes, then chill” kind of guy. Sadie? Not so much. “She’s a bit on the high energy side!” says Jodie.
Both love to greet visitors with enthusiastic jumps (a work in progress, as Jodie admits), but behind all that excitement is pure, unfiltered bliss.
Adventure Over Perfection
For their Bark & Gold Photography session, Jodie had one request: “That their session is fun and adventurous! I’m not looking for perfection, I think just letting them explore and capturing their curiosity.”
And explore they did. With tongues out, tails wagging, and that signature doodle bounce, Gus and Sadie turned the session into their own little adventure. The result? Portraits that capture not just how they look, but who they are—playful, curious, and full of life.
Artwork That Celebrates the Heart of Home and the Dogs Who Fill It
At their ordering appointment, Jodie curated a stunning Silver Collection, pairing it with two handcrafted barnwood rounds—one of each pup—and a larger traditional framed print featuring both Gus and Sadie together. Each piece is a tangible reminder of the love, laughter, and a little bit of mayhem that these two bring to their home every single day.
Because at the end of the day, that’s what these portraits are all about: capturing those fleeting, joyful moments that make you pause and think, “How did we get so lucky?”
Whether your dogs are cool and collected like Gus or full of bounce like Sadie, I’ll guide you every step of the way to capture their one-of-a-kind personality. Begin your Bark & Gold experience with a personal consultation—schedule yours today.